Treatment of Radiation-Induced Late Effects & Post Mastectomy Wound Care

posted on Monday, October 7, 2024

Integration of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in the Treatment of Radiation-Induced Late Effects & Post Mastectomy Wound Care
Integrating HBOT with Radiation Therapy For Optimal Patient Outcomes

Breast cancer makes up one out of every four cancer diagnoses in women in the U.S. each year; with approximately one in eight women will develop some type of breast cancer in their lifetime, many of whom will receive radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is a safe and effective cancer treatment, and approximately 50%-60% of all people, including breast cancer patients, diagnosed with cancer will receive radiation therapy at some point during their care.

Some breast cancer patients will undergo a mastectomy and/or breast reconstruction during the course of their treatment, in addition to radiation, with a notable 30% of these patients developing a partial loss of skin flap viability. However, when administered following a mastectomy and preceding breast reconstruction, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)  facilitates the restoration of blood vessels within irradiated tissue, prompting it to return to its inherent state and regain vitality.

In honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the team at Spencer Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine wanted to let breast cancer patients know that there are CMS-approved, effective treatments available, and HBOT is one of them.

Every year, our team of dedicated doctors, healthcare professionals, and administrators recognize October as a special month, along with healthcare organizations all over the world.

As the Susan G. Komen organization points out: “For nearly four decades now, the country has recognized October as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It is a time annually devoted to educating everyone about breast cancer — including metastatic breast cancer (MBC) — and the importance of early detection and access to timely, high-quality care.”

We couldn’t agree more. And using HBO2 as an early treatment as part of a comprehensive team, for patients struggling with chronic wounds from radiation therapy, can be a game-changer. Breast wound care management and hyperbaric oxygen therapy solutions provide proven treatments designed to:

  • Improve your quality of life
  • Reduce infections and tissue necrosis
  • Increase healing after mastectomy and during breast reconstruction

Do you have questions about wound care and hyperbaric medicine for non-healing wounds caused by the late effects of radiation or other chronic wounds? At Spencer Hospital Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine Center we offer safe and non-invasive treatments for patients with chronic wounds, including the late effects of radiation therapy. The bottom line? Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) can be a life-changing component in a comprehensive wound treatment plan.

For more information on effective wound care treatments for patients using HBOT, contact the Spencer Hospital Wound Healing and Hyperbaric Medicine Center at 712-264-6392 or 1200 1st Ave E, Spencer IA 51301.

  1. hyperbaric medicine
  2. recovery
  3. women's health
  4. wound care